Connecticut replaces lost, stolen, or damaged licenses through the DMV, by mail or in person

To replace a Connecticut driver's license, you have two routes: mail it to the DMV with the required documents and a check, or visit a DMV branch in person. The mail route takes about two weeks; in-person replacement is faster but requires a trip to a DMV office during business hours. You'll need to prove your identity and Connecticut residency, and you'll pay a replacement fee. The process is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter — missing one will delay your replacement.

Both routes use the same documents and similar fees. The main difference is speed and convenience: mail takes longer but you don't leave home, while in-person is quicker and gives you a temporary license to drive with when ready. Choose based on how soon you need to drive and whether you have time for a DMV visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut DMV accepts mail-in replacement requests with a completed form, your current or expired license, proof of identity, and a check for the replacement fee.
  • In-person replacement at any DMV branch is faster than mail and lets you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
  • You must prove both identity and Connecticut residency; a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as residency proof.
  • The replacement fee varies depending on whether your license is still valid or expired, so check the current DMV fee schedule before sending payment.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Mail-in replacement: what to send and where

To replace your license by mail, complete Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate License), which you can read from the Connecticut DMV website or request by phone. Include your current or expired license, a copy of your identity document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and a check or money order for the replacement fee. Mail everything to the Connecticut DMV at the address listed on the form.

Processing takes roughly two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you'll need to visit a DMV branch in person instead. Keep a copy of everything you send, in case the DMV needs to contact you about missing information. Write your driver's license number on the outside of the envelope so the DMV can match your documents to your file quickly.

In-person replacement at a DMV branch

Walk into any Connecticut DMV branch with your current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Bring your checkbook or be prepared to pay by card — fees vary, so ask the staff member what you owe. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is.

When you finish, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. That temporary license lets you drive legally during the wait. Your permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks. Check the DMV website for branch hours and locations near you, and consider going early in the day or on a weekday to avoid long waits.

Documents you need to bring

Connecticut requires two things: proof of who you are and proof that you live in Connecticut. For identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or another government-issued photo ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your Connecticut address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you don't have a residency document in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a family member you live with, signed and dated, along with their ID. The DMV staff will tell you on the spot if what you've brought is acceptable, so if you're unsure, call ahead or bring more than one document. Having a second residency document as backup saves you a return trip if the first one doesn't meet requirements.

Replacement fees and what affects the cost

Connecticut charges different fees depending on whether your license is still valid or expired. A valid license replacement costs less than replacing an expired one. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the current DMV fee schedule on the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles website before you send a check by mail. If you're replacing in person, ask the staff member for the exact fee before you pay.

Some DMV branches accept cash, check, or card; others may have limits on payment methods. Call ahead if you want to confirm what forms of payment your branch takes. If you're mailing your request, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to the Connecticut DMV.

If your license was stolen

A stolen license doesn't require a police report to get a replacement from the DMV, but filing one protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud or traffic violations. If you decide to file a report, do it before or at the same time as your replacement request — the police report number can help the DMV flag your case if needed.

When you replace a stolen license, the old one becomes invalid when ready once the DMV processes your request. If you're worried about identity theft, you can also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. That's a separate step from the license replacement, but it's worth doing if your Social Security number was also at risk.

Temporary licenses and how long replacement takes

If you replace your license in person, you leave with a temporary paper license good for 30 days. That temporary is legal to drive with, so you don't need to wait for the permanent card to arrive. If you replace by mail, you won't have a temporary — you'll need to carry your old license or another form of ID until the new one arrives.

Permanent licenses are mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you've moved recently, update your address with the DMV before you request a replacement, or your new license will go to your old address. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at any DMV branch. Check the DMV website for the address update form if you're mailing your replacement request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

Connecticut does not offer online license replacement. You must either mail your request with the required documents or visit a DMV branch in person. The mail route is slower but requires no trip; in-person is faster and gives you a temporary license the same day.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

If you can't find a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a family member you live with, along with their ID. The DMV will also accept a property tax bill, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement. Call your local DMV branch if you're unsure whether what you have will work.

How long does a temporary license last?

A temporary paper license issued in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within one to two weeks, but the temporary covers you for the full 30 days if there's a delay. After 30 days, you cannot drive legally without your permanent card.

What if my replacement fee check bounces?

The DMV will contact you about the bounced check and may ask you to resubmit payment. To avoid this, make sure your account has enough funds before you mail your request. If you're unsure about the exact fee, call the DMV first or visit in person so you can pay the correct amount.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement?

No. Connecticut uses your existing photo from your current or expired license for the replacement card. You only need a new photo if your license is being renewed (which happens every eight years) or if the DMV determines your current photo is no longer usable.